Orgy of the Dead Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		5.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.5

Orgy of the Dead Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf September 28, 2017

The credited director of 1965’s “Orgy of the Dead” is Stephen C. Apostolof, but everything else in the production is born from the mind of Edward D. Wood, Jr., the famous architect of B-movies and no-budget nonsense. I’m not sure “Orgy of the Dead” could even be considered a legitimate film, as it plays more like a night at a burlesque show, with Wood scripting a vague horror story to help link together performances from ten dancing women, all working to share a sense of character and narrative with their gyrations as they slowly shed clothes. It’s simple, effective, and for fans of Wood, remains in line with his exploitation interests.

If there’s a plot to “Orgy of the Dead,” it belongs to Criswell, who portrays The Emperor, a guardian of the night who, along with The Black Ghoul (Fawn Silver), settles into his graveyard kingdom to study dance routines from the dead. There’s the Slave Dance, the Skeleton Dance, and the Street Walker Dance. There’s even a “Gold Girl” (Pat Barrington) to keep up with the “Goldfinger” trends of the day. Accidentally joining the festivities are Bob (William Bates) and Shirley (Barrington), a couple who seek help in the graveyard after experiencing a car accident. And just to make matters even stranger, the Wolfman and the Mummy arrive later in the picture, acting as The Emperor’s assistants, keeping the dancers in line.

Orgy of the Dead Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Vinegar Syndrome has dedicated themselves to preserving exploitation movies, and "Orgy of the Dead" is an impressive addition to their line-up of mostly lovable shlock. The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation comes through with wonderful color, offering bold reds and golds from the production's various offerings of costuming and body paint jobs. Set greenery and ghoulish decoration also maintain secure hues, and skintones are exact, sustaining the effort's lustful intent. Detail is also impressive, permitting full view of dancing achievements, while tighter shots on Criswell and Fawn Silver bring out make-up limitations. Grain is fine and filmic. Delineation is sharp. Source remains in strong shape, avoiding any disruptions due to damage.

Orgy of the Dead Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 1.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix only encounters signs of age though hiss, which isn't distracting. Dialogue exchanges are loud and clear, comfortably handling what little conversations are carried on throughout the movie. Music offers pleasing definition, supporting the exploitation mood with jazz selections. Sound effects are presented without issues.

Orgy of the Dead Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features Ed Wood biographer Randolph Grey and exploitation filmmaker Frank Henenlotter.

• "Impressions of Nadejda" (16:37, HD) is an animated conversation with Nadejda Klein, who portrays the Slave Dancer in "Orgy of the Dead." A charismatic woman, Klein shares her origin story, moving from the Middle East to America as a child, making her way to Los Angeles, where fame and fortune as an actress was expected. Hilariously, Klein didn't even know what type of movie she was making until she showed up on the "Orgy of the Dead" set, leaving her a little uneasy with nudity, but happy to be part of the production. Klein also shares her memories of director Stephen C. Apostolof, and her continuing efforts to train as an actress.

• "Orgy of the Ted" (2:27, HD) is a brief chat with Ted. V. Mikels (who passed away last October), who shares the tale of his participation in "Orgy of the Dead," helping with cinematography needs.

• Behind the Scene and Promotional Gallery (:41) provides a few nudity-laden snaps from the shoot, along with Japanese marketing materials.

• A Theatrical Trailer has not been included.

Orgy of the Dead Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

There's not much to the "Orgy of the Dead" viewing experience, but there doesn't have to be. There's Criswell, a plethora of naked bodies, and Classic Monsters. What more does one need? Wood attempts to inject something of a story with Bob and Shirley's arrival on the scene, and The Emperor and The Black Ghoul take special interest in the new female addition to the graveyard party, but plot is scarce. "Orgy of the Dead" is mostly about dance routines and individual skill, with some performers more prepared than others, but the picture is never boring, preserving its salacious intent all the way to the end.